Ireland’s most famous wedding planner Peter Kelly a.k.a. Franc will present the first Irish version of international reality hit series Say Yes to the Dress.
The ten part series was filmed in a new couture section of Vows bridal store based in Blarney Business Park in Cork, stocked with stunning dresses from all over the world. Cameras will follow brides through the bridal salon as they try on all the styles, colours and patterns to then face their families and friends in the hope that they will Say Yes to the Dress.
Franc said, “I am so excited to be presenting the Irish version of Say Yes To The Dress. As an international wedding planner I have travelled both home and abroad with my brides to find their perfect dress. I could write a book on the amazing experiences I have shared travelling the globe from Hollywood to Paris, London to New York. I am really looking forward to the journey that I am going to take now with my Irish brides on their quest to find their perfect dress.”
Hundreds of brides-to-be applied to take part and over 40 have been selected to feature in the series as they hunt for the perfect combination of lace, silk, taffeta, beading, sparkles, trains, tiaras and veils.
The format is an Irish spin off from the hugely popular American series. The original show follows the team at Kleinfeld Bridal, the Manhattan-based bridal salon as the team bend over backwards to make each bride’s experience unforgettable. Part bridal story, part fashion makeover and part family therapy session, each Say Yes to the Dress episode looks at the personalities and craftsmanship that come into play as the Kleinfeld staff goes to extreme lengths to realize each bride’s dreams. Over 250 episodes (15 seasons) have aired on TLC in the States. The series has had spin offs in Atlanta, Canada, the UK and Australia to date.
Episode 2 of 10
In the second episode of Say Yes to the Dress Ireland, Franc will meet three very different brides– Ciara Martin, Anne Hand and Nicole Mandelli. Franc will be assisted by his two consultants, Janice O’Leary and Denise O’Riordan.
Hailing from Ballyfermot, 29-year-old Ciara Martin is hoping that Franc will find her the ultimate princess dress. Ciara is engaged to Robert Macleod and they have one daughter Naomi. They are getting married in April 2018. Ciara is joined by her mum Anita, her aunt Rachel, cousin and bridesmaid Leonie and maid of honour and best friend Jennifer. Her dad is paying for her dress today. The budget is flexible, the main thing is that she finds the dress that she wants. Ciara and her entourage are really hoping that Franc finds her dress today, she has very specific requirements – but do all of Ciara’s requirements fit into one wedding dress?
Second to meet Franc is 57-year-old Anne Hand from Rush, Co. Dublin. Anne is engaged to Sean McCann. They will marry in October 2018 in Athy. Joining her today is her two daughters, Lisa and Emma and her friend Adel. Her daughter Lisa, who is due to marry next year as well, is paying for Anne’s wedding dress today. It is her wedding gift to her mum. Anne will know her dress when she finds it, if her entourage don’t like her choice, that’s fine with her. It’s her wedding dress not theirs!
Franc’s final bride in Vows.ie The Couture Room is 26-year-old Nicole Mandelli. Originally from Milan, Italy Nicole has been living in Dublin for over two years. She is engaged to Mattia Scafoletti and they are marrying in Italy in June 2018. Helping Nicole find her dress today is her mum IIaria, who has flown in from Milan especially. She is also joined by her friends, Federica, Cristiana and Caroline. Nicole wants a simple, but stunning gown. Her friends really want her to show off her stunning figure – will Franc and Denise change her mind?